I sincerely believe that it is far more beneficial and far less costly to help a child build confidence than it is to fix an adult who has little or none.

We all have bad habits. Some are just annoying like nail-biting or leaving wet towels on the floor but some are serious like smoking or taking illegal drugs. The more you focus on a bad habit, the stronger it has a hold on you and the more difficult it is to get rid of. However, every habit can be broken if you have a deep enough desire to break it. Here are the steps to breaking a habit:

First you need to figure out why you have this habit. Does a person or situation cause you to do this? When did it start? How did you feel when you started doing this? How do you feel about yourself now? It is important to know if there are any triggers that keep you doing this habit. Be consciously aware of what you are doing and when you are doing it.

Then you should record your thoughts in a journal. Write down your habits, the attached emotions, events, people, anything that pertains to the habit. What needs to be changed or eliminated?

Find a replacement for your habit or create a reminder that you can’t avoid. If you bite your nails, keep gum handy for when you realize your fingers are in your mouth. If you leave wet towels on the floor, put a note on the bathroom mirror to remind you to pick them up. If you click your pen, buy straight pens instead of ones that click. If you are constantly talking or texting on your cell phone, keep it in your pocket or purse instead of carrying it around with you.

The more action you take to stop those bad or annoying habits, the sooner you will be able to break them. You can either take control of your habits or allow them to control you. The choice is yours. Stamp out those bad habits!!